Care

Care Ministry

In all of the seasons of life Second Baptist believes in journeying
together. Our caring ministries seek to answer Christ’s call of
rejoicing with those who rejoice, weeping with those who weep, and
bearing one another’s burdens. In our caring ministries you can help
people realize what the Psalmist writes in Psalm 147:3, “The Lord heals
the brokenhearted…”

STEPHEN MINISTRY

The name Stephen comes from St. Stephen who was the first layperson commissioned by the apostles to provide caring ministry to those in need. As a congregation, it is our desire to provide quality, one-on-one care for members of our congregation who are traveling through some of those difficult times that life brings.

Training for Stephen Ministry consists of 50 hours of quality class time during which topics such as listening, feelings, assertiveness, confidentiality, as well as ministering to people in specific situations such as divorce, terminal illness, grief, and childbirth are all covered.

Stephen Ministers Provide Distinctively Christian Care

Most importantly, Stephen Ministers rely on God to direct their actions and help them as they care for their care receivers. Stephen Ministers pray for their care receivers and may pray with them when they welcome prayer. Stephen Ministry care is based on grace; Stephen Ministers strive to be the face of Christ to their care receivers. Friendships may have a spiritual perspective, but Stephen Ministry relationships always do. The Stephen Minister is always sensitive to the care receiver’s needs in this aspect, never forcing prayers or Bible verses into the relationship. But Stephen Ministers often focus on spiritual as well as emotional and psychological hurts as they minister to their care receivers.

If you have a friend who might benefit from this confidential ministry, ask permission to give their name to a pastor who will then talk with him/her and decide whether Stephen Ministry or some other sort of pastoral care would be appropriate. If Stephen Ministry is the choice, our referral coordinator will then visit and assign a Stephen Minister.Christ modeled for us the caring that we as Stephen Ministers want to share.

It would be our joy and privilege to have the opportunity to serve.

To get involved with one of our Serve opportunities, contact Mike Lassiter.

GOOD SHEPHERDS

The primary function of our GOOD SHEPHERD team is to minister to senior members of our congregation and provide a link between the congregation and those who cannot attend church services on a regular basis. Good Shepherds are volunteers who help Second Baptist stay in contact with home-bound and care center members once a week. Through phone calls, letters or personal visits this friendly contact helps those unable to regularly participate stay connected to our faith family. Volunteers can choose a day per month or multiple days a month to assist with this caring ministry.

PRAYER MINISTRY

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).

A Second Baptist prayer list is updated weekly and available for members for daily prayers (Contact the office to receive the weekly prayer list). You may submit a request or contact our church office. Second Baptist also has a team of volunteers who form a weekly prayer team and our ministry team. These team meet weekly and/or individually pray for any specific requests, pray for those on the weekly Second Baptist prayer list, and pray for our church, community, country, and world. All are welcome to be a part of this prayer team.